5 Cleveland Browns needing a new contract

4. J.C. Tretter, Center

The Browns offensive line had their share of ups and downs last season, with most of the downs coinciding with the final stretch of Hue Jackson’s tenure. Once he was gone, they were able to get the most out of their linemen, which was briefly mentioned before when talking about the way Greg Robinson finished out his campaign.

While Robinson did earn himself a lot of money to come in and try to prove himself in 2019, the play of the interior line was even better. Joel Bitonio has become one of the best left guards in the game and Kevin Zeitler was a stud last season at right guard — although he has since been traded to the New York Giants.

Both those players were great but the man in the middle was also just as stout. J.C. Tretter was a vital part of the Browns success on offense. Despite struggling through an ankle injury all season, Tretter continued to show up week after week and turn in great performances.

Originally signed to a three-year deal in 2017, Tretter now enters the last season on his contract with Cleveland. A top-10 center in the NFL, it’s vital that John Dorsey finds a way to keep him in town for the next few seasons at least, especially with the uncertainty at right guard following the move to send Zeitler away.

With a young quarterback in Baker Mayfield, having interior linemen who can keep the pocket clean is a must. Tretter has been able to do his part to provide that and at just 28-years old, he should be able to continue to do so for the next few years as well.